How to Make Bread

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Tutorial and images by Andy Isaacs

What better way to spend a relaxing weekend than by baking a delicious loaf of crusty bread? There’s nothing nicer than the smell of bread baking in the oven filling your home with that comforting and familiar smell.

And, with The Great British Bake off once again inspiring the UK to get into our kitchens, why not put your bread making skills to the test? This white loaf would make a great breakfast-in-bed treat cut into thick slices with a healthy spread of butter and jam, yum! There are a lot of ingredients that can be added to bread to make a delicious tasting loaf, such as nuts, seeds and dried fruits, to name but a few.

If your new to bread making starting off with something simple such as a white loaf is the perfect place to start . . .

Ingredients

How to Make

I’m using the recipe found on the back of Doves Farm Organic Strong White Bread Flour.
In a large bowl mix together the flour . . .
salt . . .
sugar . . .
. . .and quick yeast.
All dry ingredients in bowl.
Carefully measure the water and roughly mix it into the flour.
While the dough is still craggy add the oil and knead well until it feels smooth and pliable.
I didn’t have any vegetable oil, so I used the same measure of olive oil instead.
Leave the dough in a bowl covered with a cloth, in a draught free place, for the dough to double in size (about 1 hour).
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
Knead the dough firmly for several minutes.
Shape the dough.
Place the dough into a 1kg/2lb bread tin or place it on an oiled baking sheet. I’m using a terracotta loaf tin, this will give an even bake and a good crust.
Cover and leave the dough to rise for about 25 minutes in a warm place.
Bake in a pre-heated oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
After baking, I transferred the loaf onto a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes.

Hobbycraft Content Marketing Assistant, I'm in love with all things craft, vintage and floral. I spend my spare time visiting craft fairs in the south on the look out for something that's a little bit different. When not out exploring by foot I'm on my bike riding around the country side or down by the beach.